National Pain Awareness Month

September is National Pain Awareness Month, an effort on the part of the American Chronic Pain Association to bring attention to the issues of pain and pain management. Because pain is not observable by others, it can be difficult to quantify or even describe it, but if your chronic pain is the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover the expenses of pain management, including alternative and experimental treatments. The best way to determine if you have cause to file suit is through a one-on-one consultation at the Atlanta office of Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance.

Treatment for Chronic Pain

Depending on the level of pain you are experiencing and the ways your injury has impacted your physical ability, exercise may be an effective way to mitigate pain. Even gentle movements and slower paces can be beneficial for pain management following a personal injury.

In addition to self-care, treatments for chronic pain may include:

Biofeedback

Acupuncture

Chiropractic manipulation

Massage

Various forms of therapy

In Georgia, medical marijuana may also be prescribed for "intractable pain."

Common forms of pain management, such as medications, may not serve those with chronic pain. Barring nerve block injections, there are few solutions offered by conventional medicine designed for long-term use. Sadly, alternative therapies typically require multiple treatments which may cost $75 or more per session. If your injury has made it difficult or impossible to work, paying for these treatments out-of-pocket may simply not be an option. To receive fair compensation, it may be best to work with an attorney who can help you navigate the personal injury system.

The Opioid Crisis

In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans died of drug overdose. Nearly 50,000 of those deaths were related to opioids. Since 2002, there has been a 4.1-fold increase in opioid-related deaths, and a new report has found that people who are injured while working in industries like construction are at a much higher risk for opioid-related death. The study, which took place in Massachusetts, found that a pressure to return to work and other factors prompted those in high-risk jobs to turn to opioids for pain management, all too often with deadly results.

Tragically, in many cases, these cheap but deadly medications are the only type of pain management that insurance will pay for.

When you choose to accept an insurance settlement following an accident, you may limit yourself to treatments that have not been proven safe for long-term use and quickly find yourself unable to pay for services that could provide lasting relief. This is just one of the many reasons it is wise to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you have been involved in an accident. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to seek compensation for both conventional and alternative therapies in addition to lost wages, related medical expenses, home modifications, and even personal pain and suffering. The best way to learn if your injury qualifies for legal action is through a complimentary consultation at Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance.